Is landlord responsible for closet mold and damaged belongings?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the landlord is typically responsible for treating the structural mold issue. Under Dubai tenancy law, the landlord must maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing the root cause of mold, such as a hidden water leak or inadequate waterproofing in the building envelope. The persistent dampness you describe, especially in a sealed closet, strongly suggests a structural problem beyond normal humidity.

Your responsibility as the tenant is generally limited to reporting the issue in writing to the landlord or property manager immediately and allowing access for inspection and repairs. For damaged personal belongings like the jackets, that cost usually falls on you, unless you can prove the landlord was negligent in addressing a previously reported, known issue.

Given the location in a high-humidity area like Marina, the problem is likely exacerbated by condensation from the AC system or a leak from an adjacent pipe or wall. Running a dehumidifier is a good practice but cannot overcome a continuous moisture source.

I recommend you formally notify the landlord and request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. A proper remediation plan involves fixing the leak, removing the contaminated materials (like the affected drywall), and treating the area with antimicrobial solutions, not just surface cleaning. For your health and to document the extent of the problem, a certified mold inspection with air and surface sampling can provide concrete evidence of the species and concentration levels, which is useful if there is any dispute.